HARTLEPOOL UNITED captain Andrew Davies is turning back the clock by launching a new football youth academy in Billingham.

The 33-year-old hails from Billingham, and is returning to his roots by launching his own coaching sessions for youngsters from across the region at the town’s SRC Sports Centre.

The former Middlesbrough defender will fit the sessions around his career with Pools, and hopes to be able to offer the stars of the future an insight into what it is like to be a professional footballer.

“Over the years, I have looked into coaching as something I might do at the end of my playing career,” said Davies, who was a graduate of Middlesbrough’s respected Rockliffe Park academy and part of the Boro squad that reached the UEFA Cup final under Gareth Southgate. “What better way to get some experience early than starting with the youngsters and working my way up?”

Davies will still be playing for Pools as they look to gain promotion back to the Football League from the National League, but having spent more than a decade-and-a-half in the professional game, he freely admits he is starting to plan for the future.

“I am thoroughly enjoying it at Hartlepool, it is a fantastic club,” he said. “But I realise that football isn’t something that lasts forever so this is a way of using my experience and being able to pass it on.”

Davies was something of a late starter, playing for youth teams at Billingham Synthonia and Hatburn Juniors before he was spotted by former Middlesbrough chief scout, Ron Bone, at the age of 12.

He regards the early years as a key part of a players’ development, and intends to work with age groups from under-8s to under-15s once his academy is up and running.

“I have thought if I had had the opportunity to work with someone when I was younger, that might have given me a bit of a head start,” said Davies. “By starting at a young age, it becomes second nature.”

The former defender hopes to be able to help some of his young students into the professional game, but insists his move into coaching is not simply about finding future stars.

“It’s nothing too serious, it is about having some fun in a safe and friendly environment,” he said. “I have been in football for 17 years. I have worked with some fantastic coaches and have learned a lot. I would like to pass that on.

“I am someone that has grown up in this area. When I was younger, I wanted to be a professional footballer and I discovered that when you work at something, listen to what people are teaching you and put your mind to it, your dreams can come true.”

  • The academy, AD Football Coaching by Andrew Davies, launches at the SRC Sports Centre, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, in January. For more details visit the academy’s Facebook page @adfootballcoaching or email: adfootballcoaching@hotmail.com.